?Chapter 461:


    “Is there something wrong with the champagne?”


    Karina came from a world where deception was an art form, where sabotage could be masked behind the simplest of gestures. And of all the tricks in the book, spiking a drink was one she loathed the most.


    Corrine tilted her head, amusement flickering in her eyes. She said nothing, only sending Karina a single nce—subtle yet weighted.


    Understanding clicked instantly. Just as she was about to react, Corrine reached out, gently sping her wrist.


    “Do not alert the enemy,” Corrine murmured.


    Karina’s lips parted, then curled into a sly smirk.


    “What do you intend to do?” A glimmer of anticipation shed in her eyes.


    Corrine’s smile deepened.


    “Give them a taste of their own medicine.” Without another word, she raised her ss and tapped it lightly against Karina’s. Then, in one graceful motion, she turned slightly and downed the champagne in a single gulp.


    She set the empty ss on the table, a mysterious gleam in her gaze.


    “I am feeling a little tired. I will return to my cabin and rest.”


    Karina nodded.


    “Alright.”


    With an air of nonchnce, Corrine strolled out of the banquet hall, her pace measured yet noticeably slower than before. Each step carried an almost imperceptible hesitation, as if a wave of exhaustion was beginning to overtake her.


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    Trailing behind, Rita watched with gleeful anticipation, practically vibrating with satisfaction. Her n had worked. Speeding up, she caught up with her, her voiceced with mock concern.


    “Corrine, are you feeling hot and ufortable now?”


    Corrine stood with her back to Rita, silent and unmoving. Rita took a step closer, her voice dripping with satisfaction.


    “That drink was spiked with a highly potent substance—every single drop is priceless. Once it touches your lips, even the most virtuous woman would be helplessly consumed by desire.”


    A shallow, unsteady breath escaped Corrine as she leaned against the wall. Her voice, barely above a whisper, trembled with weakness.


    “You drugged me…”


    Rita’s eyes gleamed with triumph. The sight of Corrine struggling sent a wicked thrill down her spine. She folded her arms, tilting her head mockingly.


    “That’s right. And what can you do about it? I was exceptionally careful. I added five whole drops—five! And you drank everyst bit.” Herughter rang with cruel delight.


    “How foolish can you be? You basked in the limelight tonight, stealing all the attention. Bute morning, when the world sees you tangled in a disgraceful scandal with strangers, let’s see how brightly you shine then! Let’s see if Nate will still want a woman who has been passed around like a cheap souvenir.”


    Corrine kept her head bowed, her long hair cascading over her face, masking the glint of steel in her eyes. Rita, too lost in her own gloating, failed to notice the slight, eerie curve of Corrine’s lips.


    Drunk on victory, Rita stepped closer, her voice brimming with malice.


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